Bauchi lecturers begin warning strike, demand full salary implementation

Lecturers in Bauchi State-owned polytechnics, colleges, and monotechnics, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of academic and non-academic staff, have announced a two-week warning strike over the government’s failure to meet their demands regarding the new minimum wage.

The union had previously issued a 21-day ultimatum on November 19, calling for the implementation of the new national minimum wage in line with their salary structure. However, JAC Chairman Abubakar Ahmed stated on Thursday during a press briefing in Bauchi that the government had made no effort to address their concerns.

“While we acknowledge the meagre salaries paid to our members for November 2024, this falls short of our expectations. We demand the full implementation of the new salary structure for higher institutions as approved by the National Salaries and Wages Commission,” Abubakar said.

He further criticized the government for failing to engage in any negotiations with the union during the ultimatum period.

IDOMA VOICE reports that lecturers at institutions including Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education, Aminu Saleh College of Education, A.D. Rufai College of Education, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, and Bill and Melinda Gates College of Health Technology have been instructed to fully comply with the warning strike.

Abubakar also appealed to students and parents to understand the lecturers’ grievances, emphasizing that the action is in the public’s best interest.

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Government has formed a high-level panel to address pressing concerns at Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau. The panel, chaired by Prof. Gambo Laraba Abdullahi, will conduct a thorough review of the university’s challenges and provide recommendations. It has eight weeks to complete its task and submit a report to the government.